The British brand has announced the launch of its new EX range, featuring the EXA100 integrated amplifier and the EXN100 streamer. This new series is the result of over three years of development and is considered the successor to the renowned Azur 851 series, promising enhanced performance in the realm of home audio.
EXA100: Integrated Amplifier
The EXA100 serves as the central component of the new range. With 100 watts per channel in Class AB amplification, this amplifier is designed to support a wide variety of speakers, delivering clear and powerful sound. Inspired by the technologies used in Cambridge’s Edge M monoblock amplifiers, the EXA100 aims to provide an immersive audio experience suitable for different musical styles.
The EXA100 also stands out for its connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, TOSLINK, coaxial, USB Audio, and aptX HD Bluetooth, allowing for seamless connections to a variety of devices, such as turntables and streamers. An ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC is included to ensure precise digital-to-analog conversion, a feature highly valued by audiophiles.
Another interesting functionality is the Power Amp Mode, which transforms the EXA100 into a pure power amplifier, facilitating integration into multi-channel audio systems or its use with the EXN100 as a pre-amplifier.
EXN100: Music Streamer
The EXN100 Music Streamer complements the EXA100 by focusing on digital playback. This streamer supports high-resolution streaming and can be controlled via Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app. With exclusively digital inputs and a pre-amplifier mode, the EXN100 can serve as the core of an audio system, managing volume and digital source.
Designed to simplify the streaming experience, the EXN100 promises uncompromised music playback and an intuitive user interface, ideal for those seeking high-quality sound without complications.
Design and Build
The products in the new EX range have been developed at Cambridge Audio’s headquarters in London, in a space called Melomania, which combines a concert hall with a development center. This environment reflects in the build quality and material choices, such as the machined aluminum front panel and the toroidal transformer, a component Cambridge has used since the launch of the P40 amplifier in 1968.
Technical Specifications
EXA100:
- 2x 100W Class A/B amplification
- ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
- HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5 with aptX HD
- Balanced XLR inputs, pre-out outputs for subwoofer, 6.3mm headphone output
- Remote control included for both EXA100 and EXN100
EXN100:
- High-resolution streaming
- Digital pre-amplifier mode
- Control via StreamMagic app
Availability
The products in the EX range, including the EXA100 amplifier and EXN100 streamer, will be available starting October 9, 2024, with recommended prices of £1999/€2199/$2199 for the EXA100 and £1299/€1399/$1399 for the EXN100. Both can be purchased directly from the Cambridge Audio website and authorized retailers.